By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Assembly elections are likely to be held sometime in February next with the term of the current Assembly expiring on March 10.
According an official source, the Election Commission may consider February next as the preferable month for holding elections as the board examinations have already been scheduled from March second week and there are no major festivals — secular or religious — in February.
While the MBOSE has scheduled the SSLC examinations from March 13 to March 25, HSSLC examination (arts, science, commerce and vocational) will be held from March 12 to April 2.
However, practical examinations for HSSLC students will be held from February 25 to 27 and again from March 2 to 7.
The 2008 Assembly polls were held on March 3 and the government was formed on March 10.
The Election Commission will ensure that the polls do not clash with the examinations and festivals, the official source said on Saturday.
The State Election Department has already geared up to hold the elections and has taken all steps to get the aspiring voters, who would be completing 18 years on January 1 next, registered. Only the registered voters are eligible for EPICs.
The Election Commission has already promised adequate security arrangements to ensure free and fair assembly polls in the State, especially in the insurgency-ravaged districts of the state.
A high-level meeting to review poll preparedness was held recently in Shillong.
The UDP and the newly-formed National Peoples’ Party (NPP) have announced maximum number of candidates whereas the Congress, which is poised to put up candidates in all the 60 constituencies, is likely to announce its candidates next month.
Other political parties, NCP, BJP, HSPDP, KHNAM, MDP, LJP, CPI and the new entrant, TMC are yet to announce their action plan for the elections.